THE HOME BUILDER
October 2023
Page Nine
Sgt. Lelea family to receive mortgage-free home continued from page 1
to assess the situation but passed out and lost all consciousness due to his injuries, waking up later in the hospi- tal. This incident resulted in traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, as well as a labral tear in his right shoulder. In spite of multiple injuries, he stayed on active duty as long as he possibly could, but medi- cally retired in February 2020. For nearly 25 years of military service, Lelea was recognized with a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, Meri- torious service medal, army commen- dation medal 3rd award, joint service achievement medal, army achievement medal 2nd award, and many more awards and accolades. Lelea currently lives with his wife and children in Alaska. After he was stationed at Ft. Hood, he promised his family they would return to Texas one day. As a family, the Leleas enjoy bar- bequing, camping and fishing together. Garvey Homes volunteered to lead the construction of this home a few short months ago. During this time, they have submitted and received approval of a budget, managed the donations and had plans drawn to incorporate the needs of Sgt. Lelea. The home consists of four bed- rooms, three bathrooms, a two-car garage, and is 2,242 square feet. Spe- cialDallas BA 9th Operation Finally Home Project considerations include a smooth transition from the drive to the garage, 36-inch interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower and many other
times during active duty. During his second deployment, he worked as a platoon sergeant and traveled Iraq in an unarmored Humvee. In 2006, Lelea’s truck was hit by an improvised explo- sive device (IED), and he was thrown about the inside of the vehicle. His gunner sustained shrapnel in his face, and their medic was injured. Lelea sustained a concussion and injured his legs and back. Despite these injuries, Lelea insisted on staying and continu- ing to fight. The following year, Lelea’s vehicle was hit with an explosively formed penetrator (EFP). His vehicle exploded, caught fire and rolled down the street. Despite his efforts, Lelea couldn’t stop the vehicle. After his vehicle came to a halt, Lelea attempted
of Operation Finally Home, Garvey Homes, the Dallas BA, NEC and the City of Irving—along with trades, suppliers and members of the commu- nity—all joined together to celebrate with the Lelea family. Previous OPFH project recipients Major Eric King, U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Luisa Velez and U.S. Marine Corp Sargent Bob Aiken also attended. U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Samasoni Lelea is an American Samoa native, from the far eastern village of Onenoa. His passion and desire to make a difference in the world and provide freedom to others led him to enlist in the United States military and protect our country for over 22 years. Lelea was deployed to Iraq three
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Samasoni Lelea
ADA features.
The next steps forward will include a Notes of Love event and the home dedication. Stay tuned for announcements through Association communications. In the meantime, the Association is accepting material, services and monetary donations for Project #9. If you have questions about this project, please contact Dallas BA Operations Officer Sheena Beaver at sheena.beaver@dallasbuilders.com or 214-615-3881. Please donate to this project.
Garvey Homes is serving as Builder Captain for the Dallas BA’s ninth Operation Finally Home project in Irving.
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